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Doug Clarke is an exciting and inventive guitarist. He studied for many
years with the legendary guitarist Tal Farlow, from whom he gained keen
insight into the melodic and harmonic complexities of bebop and traditional
jazz. As a highly sought after sideman, he has developed into an exceptional
and innovative modern guitarist.

The Music

"Beware of Doug" (Doug's first C.D. as a leader) captivates the
listener with contemporary harmonies and rhythms. The disc contains nine
songs (six originals) which create a variety of moods including a lilting
waltz, a free-spirited samba, and an up-tempo Monk-like blues. "My
Funny Valentine" showcases Doug's arranging talent. Through the use
of a unique chordal approach and an infectious quasi-funk groove, he achieves
an intriguing hypnotic vibe on a familiar tune. "Mirage A Trois",
is an up tempo burner based on the chord changes to Cole Porter's "You'd
Be So Nice To Come Home To". Doug's angular but swinging melody is
reminiscent of Jim Hall's approach employing wide intervals to create a
fresh sound over standard harmony. Doug's original compositions are beautifully
crafted with lyrical melodies that reveal maturity beyond his years. Every
song, from haunting ballads to hard driving swing tunes contains a high
level of interplay between the musicians as well as unique and spirited
solo's.

The Band

The band on "Beware of Doug" is composed of first-rate musicians,
all of whom share Doug's enthusiasm for modern jazz. Saxophonist Paul Carlon
has been performing in New York since 1991. He has appeared in such venues
as New York's Town Hall, the JVC Jazz festival, Norwalk Connecticut Jazz
festival, greater Hartford Jazz festival, as well as touring the Caribbean
and Cuba. Paul is also a talented composer with a C.D. of his own originals,
"Looking Up" and a swinging minor blues, "Nuthin' Fancy"
featured on "Beware of Doug".

Bassist Gary Mazzaroppi has played with a list of musicians that reads
like a Who's Who in jazz, including Tal Farlow, Jim Hall, Les Paul, Stan
Getz, Marion McPartland, Joe Morello, Lionel Hampton, and many others. His
virtuosity and versatility can be heard here, as his concept and approach
on this recording is truly modern.

Drummer Scott Latzky is also a familiar face on the jazz scene today, having
studied with Joe Morello, and performed with such greats as Gene Bertoncini,
Mundell Lowe, Sal Salvador, John Bunch, and Brad Mehldau.
As evidenced by their playing on the C.D., each musician brings his own
unique sound and artistry to the music while maintaining a shared vision.
The music is able to both honor the pioneers of jazz and at the same time,
break free from the harmonic and rhythmic boundaries of traditional jazz.
This is modern jazz at it's best.